State / Territory Benefits - Colorado
State Taxes
Education Benefits
Employment Benefits
Unemployment Compensation
Division of Driver Services
Health and Insurance Benefits
Parks and Recreation
Miscellaneous Benefits
Resource Locator
Wounded Warrior Benefits
Survivor Benefits
Colorado National Guard Benefits
VA Medical Facilities
Resources
Summary: The State of Colorado offers special benefits for its military service
members and Veterans including Retired Military Pay and Property tax exemptions, state employment preferences, education and tuition assistance, vehicle tags, as well as hunting and fishing license privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and Veteran disability status.
State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility
State Tax Advantage: SCR06-01 has passed and will be on the November ballot. It provides a Property Tax Exemption for 100% service-connected disabled Veterans.
Senior & Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption: A property tax exemption is available to senior citizens, surviving spouses of senior citizens, and disabled Veterans. For those who qualify, 50 percent of the first $400,000 in actual value of their primary residence is exempted. The state pays the exempted portion of the property tax. The Senior Property Tax Exemption is administered by the Department of Local Affairs; but the Treasurer's office is responsible for the distribution of state funds to counties representing the amount issued in exemptions.
Eligibility: The exemption is available to applicants who: a) sustained a service-connected disability while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, b) were honorably discharged, and c) were rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as one hundred percent 'permanent and total' disabled. VA unemployability awards do not meet the requirement for determining an applicant's eligibility. The applicant must have owned and occupied the home as his or her primary residence since January 1 of the year of application; however, limited exceptions to the ownership and occupancy requirements are detailed in the eligibility requirements section of the application. The application deadline is July 1. Late applications may be accepted through September 1 if the applicant can show good cause for missing the July 1 deadline. Application forms are available from the Division of Military and Veterans Affairs and from the Colorado Division of Property Taxation.
Retired Military Pay: Members of the Armed Forces can exclude up to $20,000 in any one taxable year from their retirement pay.Eligibility: U.S. Armed Forces Retiree.
Military Disability Retired Pay: Retirees who entered the military before Sept. 24, 1975, and members receiving disability retirements based on combat injuries or who could receive disability payments from the VA are covered by laws giving disability broad exemption from federal income tax. Most military retired pay based on service-related disabilities also is free from federal income tax, but there is no guarantee of total protection.
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: Not subject to federal or state taxes.
Motor Vehicle Tax: No fee shall be charged to certain disabled Veterans or ex-POWs who have established their right to benefit under public laws. This applies to subsequent vehicles, but only one at a time.
Tuition Assistance: Any member of the Colorado National Guard is eligible for state tuition assistance, up to 100% tuition paid at any Colorado state-funded school depending on funding available. State funding can be used in conjunction with Federal Tuition Assistance. Deadline for Spring Semester is Dec. 1. Deadline for Fall Semester is July 1. Summer deadline is May 1 (if funding is available).
Eligibility: Colorado National Guard member must serve 2 years for each year granted.
- As of July 1, 2000 any new member of the Colorado National Guard eligible for State Tuition Assistance must have a minimum of 6 months of service in the Colorado National Guard. Interstate Transfer (ISTs) and In-Service Recruits (ISRs) are waived from this requirement.
- As of 1 July 2005 the State Tuition Assistance (TA) program is no longer a payback program; to get TA the member must be in drilling status with the Colorado National Guard. If the member leaves drilling status, during the semester/quarter for which they are receiving TA, the member must reimburse the Department for the whole amount of TA received for that semester. For those members who received TA prior to 1 July 2005 (to include summer 2005) the service requirement of 1 year for each semester sponsored PRIOR to 1 July 2005 still applies.
- Must maintain a 2.0 Grade Point Average
Tuition Assistance for Children of POWs, MIAs, or Disabled/Deceased Army National Guard: Free tuition in certain State-supported schools
Eligibility: Children of prisoners of war or persons missing in action who were Colorado residents when they entered the Armed Forces, or for children of Colorado National Guardsmen who died or were permanently disabled while on State active duty; limited to dependents who do not qualify for Federal Education benefits.
Operation Recognition: Operation Recognition is a program to award High School diplomas to deserving and qualified WWII, Korea and Vietnam-era Veterans. Operation Recognition is authorized by Colorado State Law and is offered by the Colorado Board of Veterans Affairs in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Education and the Colorado Association of School Boards.
Employment Assistance: State Active Duty employee receives 15 days of paid military leave per year.
Eligibility: Colorado National Guard
Employment Preference (Civil Service Rights): Disabled Veterans shall have 10 points added to their grades and non-disabled Veterans shall be credited with an additional 5 points for "state employment".
Eligibility: Applies to city and county governments that have a "Merit System" in place.
Unemployment Compensation: Unemployment Insurance (UI) is a program to pay benefits and help workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own. The UI Program helps to lessen the negative impact that unemployment has on the economy. This program is not paid for by employees; employers fund the UI Program. Unemployment Insurance provides temporary and partial wage replacement to workers who have become unemployed through no fault of their own. Unemployment payments are funded by employer-paid taxes.
Colorado law requires all persons 18 years and older to provide proof that they are lawfully present in the United States before receiving unemployment benefits. You must provide one of the following forms of identification (ID):
- Valid Colorado driver's license or a valid Colorado ID card.
- United States military ID card or a military dependent ID card.
- United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner card.
- Native American tribal document.
- Valid driver's license or ID card issued by another state or Canada.
Click here for the Claimant Handbook.
UI Benefits Inquiries: 303-318-9000 or 1-800-388-5515
National Guard: Available for passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 lbs. empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles.
Eligibility: Any person who is active or retired member of the Colorado National Guard. One time fee of $50.00 for issuance and replacement of plates in addition to other taxes and fees.
Pearl Harbor Survivor: Available for passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 lbs. empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles.
Eligibility: Any person who can demonstrate being a member of the U.S. Armed Services on 12/07/1941, stationed at Pearl Harbor during the hours of 7:55 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (Hawaii time); has received an honorable discharge; holds a current membership in a national organizational of Pearl Harbor Survivors. One set of plates is exempt from fees allowed by CRS 42-3-213(1) (b) (II) (F). A second or additional set requires a one time fee of $50.00 for issuance in addition to other taxes and fees.
Prisoner of War: Available for passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 lbs. empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles.
Eligibility: Any person who was on active duty with the U.S. Armed Forced during a period of armed conflict while incarcerated by an enemy of the U.S. One set of plates is exempt from fees allowed by CRS 42-3-213(1) (b) (II) (A). A second or additional set requires a one time fee of $50.00 for issuance in addition to other taxes and fees.
Purple Heart: Available for passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 lbs. empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles.
Eligibility: Any person awarded the Purple Heart medal. One set of plates is exempt from fees allowed by CRS 42-3-324(1) (b) (II) (D). A second or additional set requires a one time fee of $50.00 for issuance or replacement of plates in addition to other taxes and fees.
Korean War Veteran: Available for passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 lbs. empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles.
Eligibility: Any person who can demonstrate being a member of the U.S. Armed Forces between 6/27/1950 and 1/31/1955. One time fee of $50.00 for issuance and replacement of plates, in addition to other taxes and fees.
Vietnam Veteran: Available for passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 lbs. empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles.
Eligibility: Any person who can demonstrate being a member of the U.S. Armed Forced during the Vietnam engagement (08/07/1964-01/27/1973). One time fee of $50.00 for issuance and replacement of plates in addition to other taxes and fees.
Veteran of Afghanistan War: Available for passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 pounds empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles.
Eligibility: An individual that is a natural person who was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces between October 7, 2001 and the end of the conflict. One-time fee of $50.00 for issuance or replacement of plates, in addition to other taxes and fees.
Veteran of Iraq War: Available for passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 pounds empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles.
Eligibility: An individual that is a natural person who was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces between March 20, 2003 and the end of the conflict. One-time fee of $50.00 for issuance or replacement of plates, in addition to other taxes and fees.
Medal of Honor: Available for passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 lbs. empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles.
Eligibility: Any person who can demonstrate being awarded the Medal of Honor. One set of plates is exempt from fees allowed by CRS 42-3-213(1) (b) (II) (C). A second or additional set requires a one time fee of $50.00 for issuance or replacement of plates in addition to other taxes and fees.
World War II: Available for passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 pounds empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles.
Eligibility: A Service member who served in the armed forces between September 16, 1940 and July 25, 1947. One-time fee of $50.00 for issuance or replacement of plates, in addition to other taxes and fees.
Honorably Discharged Veteran: Available for passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 pounds empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles.
Eligibility: Any person who can demonstrate being honorable discharged or retired from any branch of the U.S. Armed Services. One time fee of $50.00 for issuance and replacement of plates, in addition to other taxes and fees.
Fallen Soldier: Under Colorado Statute 42-3-213, the Fallen Service Member license plate may be issued to passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 lbs (empty weight), noncommercial or recreational vehicles and motorcycles. The Fallen Service Member license plate will be authorized/certified for issuance by the State Registration Sections.
Eligibility: Fallen Service Member plates may be issued to the current or past spouse, child, parent, grandparent, or sibling of a person who died in the line of duty while serving in the armed forces and deployed to a combat zone. There is a one-time fee of $25.00 which will be collected upon issuance and $50.00 for replacement of the license plate. The applicant must fill out Request for Fallen Service Member Plate Form (DR 2432) and provide supporting documentation to the State Registration section.
4th Infantry Division: Available for passenger cars or trucks that do not exceed 16,000 pounds empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles and motor homes.
Eligibility: Any person that desires to show support for the U.S. Army 4th Division. One time fee of $50.00 for issuance or replacement of plates in addition to other taxes and fees.
Silver Star, Bronze Star, Bronze Star of Valor: Available for passenger cares, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 pounds empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles.
Eligibility: Any person who can demonstrate being awarded the Silver Star, Bronze star medal or Bronze Star of Valor medal. One time fee of $50.00 for issuance and replacement of plates, in addition to other taxes and fees.
Learn more (Bronze Star)
Learn more (Bronze Star of Valor)
Disabled Veteran: Available for passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 pounds empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles.
Eligibility: Any person who can demonstrate being 50% or more Permanent Service-Connected Disabled. One set of plates is exempt from fees allowed by CRS 42-3-213(1) (b) (II) (B). A second or additional set requires a one time fee of $50.00 for issuance or replacement of plates, in addition to other taxes and fees.
Disabled Veteran Handicapped: Available for passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 pounds empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles.
Eligibility: Any person who can demonstrate being 50% or more Permanent Service-Connected Disabled AND physical impairment verified in writing by a Colorado licensed physician, an advanced practice nurse, or a Commissioned Medical Officer. One set of plates is exempt from fees allowed by CRS 42-3-213(1) (b) (II) (B). Only one set of plates are allowed.
U.S. Army: Available for passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 lbs. empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles.
Eligibility: Any person who has received an honorable discharge or is retired, or is an active or reserve member of the U.S. Army. One time fee of $50.00 for issuance and replacement of plates, in addition to other taxes and fees.
Medical Benefits: Dental coverage and full medical for line-of-duty.
Eligibility: Colorado National Guard
Fishing license: No fee for fishing license Eligibility: 1) Member of the Armed Forces stationed as a resident patient at a military hospital or convalescent station, 2) any resident patient at a USDVA hospital located within the State, 3) any Veteran who is permanently and totally disabled.
Small Game Hunting and Fishing License: Free lifetime combination small-game hunting and fishing license. Eligibility: Resident Veteran with a service-connected disability of 60% or more. Purple Heart recipients, who can provide documented proof, are also eligible for a VA Combo License.
Hunting and Fishing License: Military personnel stationed in Colorado on active duty and their family members can qualify to purchase hunting and fishing licenses at the Colorado resident rates. Personnel (and their dependents) qualify for residency if they are on active duty in Colorado under permanent orders. Military personnel here on active duty must show proof by presenting official military documentation (military orders) when purchasing resident licenses. Active duty does not include reserve status or National Guard.
Resident fishing on Temporary Leave: Colorado residents who are on active duty and permanently stationed outside of the state may fish without a license while in Colorado on temporary leave. The military member must carry a copy of their leave papers with them while fishing and cannot use this exemption for more than 30 days a year.
Wounded Warrior Program: The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission set aside a number of free license for members of the Wounded Warrior or Safe Harbor program. While there are limits on the number of licenses that can be issued, the goal of the CPW is to issue as many of these licenses as possible to qualified members of the Wounded Warrior program.
Eligibility: Must be a member of the U.S. Armed forces and a Colorado resident or be stationed in Colorado. Must be returning from post-Sept. 11, 2001 overseas contingency operation. Must be assigned to a military medical treatment facility at the time of application. Must be a qualifying member of the U.S. Armed Services Wounded Warrior or Safe Harbor program.
State Veterans' Home: Admission preference is given to Veterans, spouses, widows and mothers at State Veterans Center, Homelake, CO.; 40 operating beds in the domiciliary unit and 60 beds in nursing care service.
State Veterans Nursing Homes: 1) The Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home at Florence, CO with a bed capacity of 120 beds, 2) Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home at Rifle, CO; capacity of 100 beds, 3) Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home at Walsenburg; capacity of 120 beds, 4) Fitzsimons State Veterans Home, located in Denver, CO; capacity of 180 beds 5) Monte Vista: Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake .
Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans, veterans' spouses or widows and "Gold-Star Parents" (non-veterans, any of whose children have died while serving in the Armed Forces) are eligible for long-term care or short-term rehabilitation in our Home. Medical criteria also must be met.
Burial Allowance: County allowance of up to $50 for burial and up to $50 for setting markers for pauper Veterans.
Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado: To be considered for interment in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, an applicant must be a Colorado Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces or Colorado members of Reserve Components and Reserve Officers Training Corps. There is NO CHARGE for interment in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado. A gravesite or niche, opening and closing of the gravesite or niche, an upright granite headstone or granite niche marker with authorized inscription(s), concrete vault (grave liner) for most casketed remains, use of Committal Shelter and/or Visitors Center, and perpetual care are provided at no expense to the next-of-kin.
Eligibility:
a) Any Colorado member of the Armed Forces of the U.S. who dies on active duty.
b) Any Colorado Veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
c) Any citizen of the U.S. and Colorado who, during any war in which the U.S. has been or may hereafter be engaged, served in the Armed Forces of any Government allied with the U.S. during that war, who last active service was terminated honorably by death or otherwise and who was a citizen of the U.S. and Colorado at the time of entry into such service and at the time of death.
d) U.S. World War II Merchant Mariners with oceangoing service during the periods of armed conflict, December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946.
e) The spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran, even if that person is not buried or memorialized in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, is eligible for interment. A surviving spouse includes a surviving spouse who has had a subsequent remarriage and who death occurred on or after January 1, 2000.
f) The minor children of an eligible person. For purposes of interment, a minor child is a person who is unmarried and under the age of 21 or under the age of 23 and pursing a course of instruction at an approved educational institution.
g) An unmarried adult child of an eligible person if the child is physically or mentally disabled and incapable of self-support before reaching the age of 21 years. Proper supportive documentation must be provided.
The Veterans Trust Fund: A fund established from the Master Tobacco Settlement which provides to Chartered Veteran Service Organizations, State Veteran Nursing Homes, Division of Veteran Affairs and the State Veteran Cemeteries for the operations of, maintenance of facilities, and/or Veteran homeless shelters and transportation programs.
Senior & Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption: A property tax exemption is available to senior citizens, surviving spouses of senior citizens, and disabled Veterans. For those who qualify, 50 percent of the first $400,000 in actual value of their primary residence is exempted. The state pays the exempted portion of the property tax. The Senior Property Tax Exemption is administered by the Department of Local Affairs; but the Treasurer's office is responsible for the distribution of state funds to counties representing the amount issued in exemptions.
Eligibility: The exemption is available to applicants who: a) sustained a service-connected disability while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, b) were honorably discharged, and c) were rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as one hundred percent 'permanent and total' disabled. VA unemployability awards do not meet the requirement for determining an applicant's eligibility. The applicant must have owned and occupied the home as his or her primary residence since January 1 of the year of application; however, limited exceptions to the ownership and occupancy requirements are detailed in the eligibility requirements section of the application. The application deadline is July 1. Late applications may be accepted through September 1 if the applicant can show good cause for missing the July 1 deadline. Application forms are available from the Division of Military and Veterans Affairs and from the Colorado Division of Property Taxation.
Military Disability Retired Pay: Disability Portion - Length of Service Pay; Member on September 24, 1975 - No tax; Not Member on September 24, 1975 - Taxed, unless combat incurred. Retired Pay - Based solely on disability: Member on September 24, 1975 - No tax; Not Member on September 24, 1975 - Taxed, unless all pay based on disability and disability resulted from armed conflict, extra-hazardous service, simulated war, or an instrumentality of war.
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: Not subject to federal or state taxes.
Motor Vehicle Tax: No fee shall be charged to certain disabled Veterans or ex-POWs who have established their right to benefit under public laws. This applies to subsequent vehicles, but only one at a time.
Tuition Assistance for Children of POWs, MIAs, or Disabled/Deceased Army National Guard: Free tuition in certain State-supported schools.
Eligibility: Children of prisoners of war or persons missing in action who were Colorado residents when they entered the Armed Forces, or for children of Colorado National Guardsmen who died or were permanently disabled while on State active duty; limited to dependents who do not qualify for Federal Education benefits.
Operation Recognition: Operation Recognition is a program to award High School diplomas to deserving and qualified WWII, Korea and Vietnam-era Veterans. Operation Recognition is authorized by Colorado State Law and is offered by the Colorado Board of Veterans Affairs in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Education and the Colorado Association of School Boards.
Employment Preference (Civil Service Rights): Disabled Veterans shall have 10 points added to their grades and non-disabled Veterans shall be credited with an additional 5 points for "state employment".
Eligibility: Applies to city and county governments that have a "Merit System" in place.
Purple Heart: Available for passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 lbs. empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles.
Eligibility: Any person awarded the Purple Heart medal. One set of plates is exempt from fees allowed by CRS 42-3-324(1) (b) (II) (D). A second or additional set requires a one time fee of $50.00 for issuance or replacement of plates in addition to other taxes and fees.
Disabled Veteran: Available for passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 pounds empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles.
Eligibility: Any person who can demonstrate being 50% or more Permanent Service-Connected Disabled. One set of plates is exempt from fees allowed by CRS 42-3-213(1) (b) (II) (B). A second or additional set requires a one time fee of $50.00 for issuance or replacement of plates, in addition to other taxes and fees.
Disabled Veteran Handicapped: Available for passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 pounds empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles.
Eligibility: Any person who can demonstrate being 50% or more Permanent Service-Connected Disabled AND physical impairment verified in writing by a Colorado licensed physician, an advanced practice nurse, or a Commissioned Medical Officer. One set of plates is exempt from fees allowed by CRS 42-3-213(1) (b) (II) (B). Only one set of plates are allowed.
Fishing license: No fee for fishing license Eligibility: 1) Member of the Armed Forces stationed as a resident patient at a military hospital or convalescent station, 2) any resident patient at a USDVA hospital located within the State, 3) any Veteran who is permanently and totally disabled.
Small Game Hunting and Fishing License: Free lifetime combination small-game hunting and fishing license. Eligibility: Resident Veteran with a service-connected disability of 60% or more.
Wounded Warrior Program: The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission set aside a number of free license for members of the Wounded Warrior or Safe Harbor program. While there are limites on the number of licenses that can be issued, the goal of the CPW is to issue as many of these licenses as possible to qualified members of the Wounded Warrior program.
Eligibility: Must be a member of the U.S. Armed forces and a Colorado resident or be stationed in Colorado. Must be returning from post-Sept. 11, 2001 overseas contingency operation. Must be assigned to a military medical treatment facility at the time of application. Must be a qualifying member of the U.S. Armed Services Wounded Warrior or Safe Harbor program.
State Veterans' Home: Admission preference is given to Veterans, spouses, widows and mothers at State Veterans Center, Homelake, CO.; 40 operating beds in the domiciliary unit and 60 beds in nursing care service.
State Veterans Nursing Homes: 1) The Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home at Florence, CO with a bed capacity of 120 beds, 2) Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home at Rifle, CO; capacity of 100 beds, 3) Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home at Walsenburg; capacity of 120 beds, 4) Fitzsimons State Veterans Home, located in Denver, CO; capacity of 180 beds.
Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans, veterans' spouses or widows and "Gold-Star Parents" (non-veterans, any of whose children have died while serving in the Armed Forces) are eligible for long-term care or short-term rehabilitation in our Home. Medical criteria also must be met.
The Veterans Trust Fund: A fund established from the Master Tobacco Settlement which provides to Chartered Veteran Service Organizations, State Veteran Nursing Homes, Division of Veteran Affairs and the State Veteran Cemeteries for the operations of, maintenance of facilities, and/or Veteran homeless shelters and transportation programs.
Senior & Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption: A property tax exemption is available to senior citizens, surviving spouses of senior citizens, and disabled Veterans. For those who qualify, 50 percent of the first $400,000 in actual value of their primary residence is exempted. The state pays the exempted portion of the property tax. The Senior Property Tax Exemption is administered by the Department of Local Affairs; but the Treasurer's office is responsible for the distribution of state funds to counties representing the amount issued in exemptions.
Eligibility: The exemption is available to applicants who: a) sustained a service-connected disability while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, b) were honorably discharged, and c) were rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as one hundred percent 'permanent and total' disabled. VA unemployability awards do not meet the requirement for determining an applicant's eligibility. The applicant must have owned and occupied the home as his or her primary residence since January 1 of the year of application; however, limited exceptions to the ownership and occupancy requirements are detailed in the eligibility requirements section of the application. The application deadline is July 1. Late applications may be accepted through September 1 if the applicant can show good cause for missing the July 1 deadline. Application forms are available from the Division of Military and Veterans Affairs and from the Colorado Division of Property Taxation.
Tuition Assistance for Children of POWs, MIAs, or Disabled/Deceased Army National Guard: Free tuition in certain State-supported schools
Eligibility: Children of prisoners of war or persons missing in action who were Colorado residents when they entered the Armed Forces, or for children of Colorado National Guardsmen who died or were permanently disabled while on State active duty; limited to dependents who do not qualify for Federal Education benefits.
Fallen Soldier: Under Colorado Statute 42-3-213, the Fallen Service Member license plate may be issued to passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 lbs (empty weight), noncommercial or recreational vehicles and motorcycles. The Fallen Service Member license plate will be authorized/certified for issuance by the State Registration Sections.
Eligibility: Fallen Service Member plates may be issued to the current or past spouse, child, parent, grandparent, or sibling of a person who died in the line of duty while serving in the armed forces and deployed to a combat zone. There is a one-time fee of $25.00 which will be collected upon issuance and $50.00 for replacement of the license plate. The applicant must fill out Request for Fallen Service Member Plate Form (DR 2432) and provide supporting documentation to the State Registration section.
State Veterans' Home: Admission preference is given to Veterans, spouses, widows and mothers at State Veterans Center, Homelake, CO.; 40 operating beds in the domiciliary unit and 60 beds in nursing care service.
State Veterans Nursing Homes: The Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home at Florence, CO with a bed capacity of 120 beds, 2) Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home at Rifle, CO; capacity of 100 beds, 3) Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home at Walsenburg; capacity of 120 beds, 4) Fitzsimons State Veterans Home, located in Denver, CO; capacity of 180 beds 5) Monte Vista: Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake
Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans, veterans' spouses or widows and "Gold-Star Parents" (non-veterans, any of whose children have died while serving in the Armed Forces) are eligible for long-term care or short-term rehabilitation in our Home. Medical criteria also must be met.
Burial Allowance: County allowance of up to $50 for burial and up to $50 for setting markers for pauper Veterans.
Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado: To be considered for interment in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, an applicant must be a Colorado Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces or Colorado members of Reserve Components and Reserve Officers Training Corps. There is NO CHARGE for interment in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado. A gravesite or niche, opening and closing of the gravesite or niche, an upright granite headstone or granite niche marker with authorized inscription(s), concrete vault (grave liner) for most casketed remains, use of Committal Shelter and/or Visitors Center, and perpetual care are provided at no expense to the next-of-kin.
Eligibility:
a) Any Colorado member of the Armed Forces of the U.S. who dies on active duty.
b) Any Colorado Veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
c) Any citizen of the U.S. and Colorado who, during any war in which the U.S. has been or may hereafter be engaged, served in the Armed Forces of any Government allied with the U.S. during that war, who last active service was terminated honorably by death or otherwise and who was a citizen of the U.S. and Colorado at the time of entry into such service and at the time of death.
d) U.S. World War II Merchant Mariners with oceangoing service during the periods of armed conflict, December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946.
e) The spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran, even if that person is not buried or memorialized in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, is eligible for interment. A surviving spouse includes a surviving spouse who has had a subsequent remarriage and who death occurred on or after January 1, 2000.
f) The minor children of an eligible person. For purposes of interment, a minor child is a person who is unmarried and under the age of 21 or under the age of 23 and pursing a course of instruction at an approved educational institution.
g) An unmarried adult child of an eligible person if the child is physically or mentally disabled and incapable of self-support before reaching the age of 21 years. Proper supportive documentation must be provided.
Colorado National Guard Benefits:
Tuition Assistance: Any member of the Colorado National Guard is eligible for state tuition assistance, up to 100% tuition paid at any Colorado state-funded school depending on funding available. State funding can be used in conjunction with Federal Tuition Assistance. Deadline for Spring Semester is Dec. 1. Deadline for Fall Semester is July 1. Summer deadline is May 1 (if funding is available).
Eligibility: Colorado National Guard member must serve 2 years for each year granted.
- As of July 1, 2000 any new member of the Colorado National Guard eligible for State Tuition Assistance must have a minimum of 6 months of service in the Colorado National Guard. Interstate Transfer (ISTs) and In-Service Recruits (ISRs) are waived from this requirement.
- As of 1 July 2005 the State Tuition Assistance (TA) program is no longer a payback program; to get TA the member must be in drilling status with the Colorado National Guard. If the member leaves drilling status, during the semester/quarter for which they are receiving TA, the member must reimburse the Department for the whole amount of TA received for that semester. For those members who received TA prior to 1 July 2005 (to include summer 2005) the service requirement of 1 year for each semester sponsored PRIOR to 1 July 2005 still applies.
- Must maintain a 2.0 Grade Point Average
Employment Assistance: State Active Duty employee receives 15 days of paid military leave per year.
Eligibility: Colorado National Guard
National Guard: Available for passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 lbs. empty weight, noncommercial or recreation vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles.
Eligibility: Any person who is active or retired member of the Colorado National Guard. One time fee of $50.00 for issuance and replacement of plates in addition to other taxes and fees.
Medical Benefits: Dental coverage and full medical for line-of-duty.
Eligibility: Colorado National Guard
Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Facilities in Colorado
VA Health Care System
Denver: VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS), 1055 Clermont St, 888-336-8262
VA Medical Centers
Grand Junction: Grand Junction VA Medical Center, 2121 North Ave, 970-242-0731 / 866-206-6415
Outpatient Clinic
Aurora: Jewell Clinic, 14400 E Jewell Ave, 303-270-6400
Burlington: Burlington VA Outreach Clinic, 1177 Rose Ave, 719-346-5239Salida: Salida VA Telehealth Clinic, 920 Rush Dr, 719-539-8666
Sterling: Sterling Mobile Telehealth Clinic
Community Based Outpatient Clinics
Alamosa: Alamosa /San Luis Valley Clinic/Sierra Blanca Med. Ctr., 622 Del Sol Dr, 719-587-6800
Aurora: Aurora Outpatient Clinic, 13701 E. Mississippi Ave, Suite 201, 303-398-6340
Colorado Springs: Colorado Springs Clinic, 25 North Spruce St, 719-327-5660
Craig: Craig CBOC, 551 Tucker St, 970-824-6721
Durango: Durango Clinic, 1970 East Third Ave, Suite 102, 970-247-2214
Ft. Collins: Fort Collins Outpatient Clinic , 2509 Research Blvd, 970-224-1550 / 888-481-8828
Greeley: Greeley Outpatient Clinic, 2001 70th Ave, Suite 200, 970-313-0027 / 888-481-4065
La Junta: La Junta Outpatient Clinic, 1100 Carson Ave, Suite 104, 719-383-5195 / 877-329-2625
Lakewood: Lakewood Outpatient Clinic, 155 Van Gordon St, Suite 395, 303-914-2680
Lamar: Lamar Clinic, 405 Kendall Dr, 719-336-7155 / 855-779-0833
Montrose: Montrose Outpatient Clinic, 4 Hillcrest Plaza Way, 970-249-7791
Pueblo: Pueblo Outpatient Clinic, 4112 Outlook Blvd, 719-553-1000 / 800-369-6748
http://www.va.gov/
www.colorado.gov/revenue
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1201542141638
http://www.retirementliving.com/RLstate1.html#COLORADO
http://wildlife.state.co.us/Pages/Home.aspx
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDLE-EmployTrain/CDLE/1251568096962
http://www.dol.gov/elaws/vets/realifelines/stateinfo.htm?state=CO
Document Review Date: 30 August 2012